Yoga Narasimhar Temple

Yoga Narasimhar Temple is a hilltop Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, located on Periya Malai (Big Hill) at Sholinghur in Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by the Alvars. The temple is reached by climbing about 1305 stone steps and is notable for the deity depicted in a yogic posture, its twin-hill association with Yoga Anjaneyar Temple, and panoramic views over the surrounding plains.

Visitors can expect a climb of approximately 1305 stone steps to reach the hilltop shrine at about 750 feet elevation. The temple complex includes a small gopuram, sanctum with Yoga Narasimhar in seated yogic posture, and mandapams. The hilltop offers open views of Sholinghur town and surrounding fields. Facilities are basic at the top; shops and stalls are at the foothills. The twin hill (Chinna Malai) with Yoga Anjaneyar Temple is visible nearby.

The temple is traditionally associated with Prahlada and the Narasimha avatar and is revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Alvar saints, particularly Thirumangai Alvar. The present structure shows later Pallava and Chola influences with subsequent Vijayanagara contributions. The hill was historically known as Ghatikachalam and Kadigachalam.

Dedicated to Vishnu as Yoga Narasimhar in a rare yogic seated posture, believed to have taught yoga to Prahlada. It is an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre and forms a twin-temple tradition with Yoga Anjaneyar on the adjacent small hill, where devotees customarily worship Anjaneyar before Narasimhar. Annual festivals include Brahmotsavam and Narasimha Jayanti.